HNS Posted May 13, 2014 Author Share Posted May 13, 2014 Thanks Bernie ... I agree .. we don't have them too often here as well ! JazzGtr ... I already took the first steps into the dark side of the tone:) ... I'm hooked... is it age ? is it my acoustic background? Dunno What would you suggest ? I think you have some of them... I still oscillate between the 335 and full hollow body. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimR56 Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 What would you suggest ? ... I still oscillate between the 335 and full hollow body. Again, I think it's hard for anybody to make suggestions to you, because there are so many options, and you haven't expressed your interests (music styles, tonal qualities, players you admire, etc) very clearly. In your case, it appears that the best thing would be to travel to a place where there is indeed a better selection of instruments, and just experiment! :) By the way, it's a matter of personal preference, but I hope you aren't ruling out a used guitar. Depending on your location, you might be able to increase your options if you look for used guitars advertised for sale locally. You might save a lot of money, and you might even find an under-priced gem (something that might even be a solid "investment"). You might also meet interesting people. Just a thought. I hope it's an enjoyable search with a rewarding conclusion. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HNS Posted May 13, 2014 Author Share Posted May 13, 2014 In your case, it appears that the best thing would be to travel to a place where there is indeed a better selection of instruments, and just experiment! :) ..... but I hope you aren't ruling out a used guitar. Depending on your location, you might be able to increase your options if you look for used guitars I totally agree on both accounts Jim... it's difficult to know what you like when you haven't played the guitars in question, I was just asking for ideas, certain models, luthiers/manufacturers I may not familiar with etc...! travelling is the best option, but not now unfortunately. I never ever rule out used guitars of course, I got real hardly used gems for a good price that way:). Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimR56 Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 Not sure what your budget is, or what type of jazz sound you're attracted to, but I do have one more suggestion. Go to Youtube, and search for videos of the instruments that you think might fit your budget and give you the tone you're seeking. The more videos you watch and listen to, the better your chances of narrowing down your options. Since you play at home, and probably won't have to be concerned about feedback, I think the ES-330 style (fully hollow, thinline) guitar (or Epi Casino) is a nice option. They definitely provide the "airy" sound; they are light in weight and comfortable; and they are quite versatile in terms of playing different styles of music. Someday perhaps when you are more comfortable with a hollowbody archtop and more familiar with jazz styles and tones, you might get around to trying out a more traditional full-depth archtop (they're not always more expensive, by the way, if you do enough searching around). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HNS Posted May 14, 2014 Author Share Posted May 14, 2014 Not sure what your budget is, or what type of jazz sound you're attracted to, but I do have one more suggestion. Go to Youtube, and search for videos of the instruments that you think might fit your budget and give you the tone you're seeking. The more videos you watch and listen to, the better your chances of narrowing down your options. Since you play at home, and probably won't have to be concerned about feedback, I think the ES-330 style (fully hollow, thinline) guitar (or Epi Casino) is a nice option. They definitely provide the "airy" sound; they are light in weight and comfortable; and they are quite versatile in terms of playing different styles of music. Someday perhaps when you are more comfortable with a hollowbody archtop and more familiar with jazz styles and tones, you might get around to trying out a more traditional full-depth archtop (they're not always more expensive, by the way, if you do enough searching around). Thanks for your help ...It's much appreciated... a Gibson 330 is on my list to try out this weekend together with an ES 137. I hope I see more of those around here in Berlin. My budget hasn't been set yet, but I think I want to be in the 2-3 k range initially. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernie69 Posted May 15, 2014 Share Posted May 15, 2014 Hi I hope you'll find these amazing guitars available for a try A feed back from you will be welcomed, the Gibson pictures are promising ( waah, the 137 Custon !!!) but it tells nothing about the playability and sound Good hunt !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HNS Posted May 15, 2014 Author Share Posted May 15, 2014 Hi I hope you'll find these amazing guitars available for a try A feed back from you will be welcomed, the Gibson pictures are promising ( waah, the 137 Custon !!!) but it tells nothing about the playability and sound Good hunt !!! Will do Bernie ! Thanks :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drog Posted May 15, 2014 Share Posted May 15, 2014 I love my ES330, but you do have limited upper range access and anything beyond the 15th fret is tough to reach. Still, it plays and sounds awesome and so I forgive her, lol. You can get an upper end Eastman in your price range, that would be a solid top instrument., something like an AR810 or 805. They even make a ES175 clone, the AR372. Keep in mind these are Chinese guitars and the quality seems to be hit and miss. You also won't retain much value, but its a way in to an archtop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HNS Posted May 15, 2014 Author Share Posted May 15, 2014 Keep in mind these are Chinese guitars and the quality seems to be hit and miss. You also won't retain much value, but its a way in to an archtop. Yeah that's a main point ! ... Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JazzGtr Posted May 15, 2014 Share Posted May 15, 2014 Thanks Bernie ... I agree .. we don't have them too often here as well ! JazzGtr ... I already took the first steps into the dark side of the tone:) ... I'm hooked... is it age ? is it my acoustic background? Dunno What would you suggest ? I think you have some of them... I still oscillate between the 335 and full hollow body. Not easy. If money was no object I would say get one of each type. I really can't say because it depends of what type of music you mainly play. If you mainly play jazz, then go full hollow body. If you play a combination of everything else then you should stick with a semi-hollow 335. I started with a 335, then move on to the ES 175, then move on to the L5, then back to the CS 356, then back to a few hard bodies and never been the same (sane). It's hard to figure out which way the music will take you. You're always trying to catch up with your equipment with the music and not the other way around. Good luck. Jazz, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HNS Posted May 16, 2014 Author Share Posted May 16, 2014 I know what you mean ... add acoustic guitars to that as well.. Martin's new Authentic line is SWEET ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconbill Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 Thanks for your help ...It's much appreciated... a Gibson 330 is on my list to try out this weekend together with an ES 137. I hope I see more of those around here in Berlin. My budget hasn't been set yet, but I think I want to be in the 2-3 k range initially. Cheers For your budget, get a real 335 and don't look back. They are so versatile you can do anything from jazz to rock to country to blues to even metal with the right amp. And they hold their value pretty well so if you want to resell it, no problem. I'm a Les Paul guy, but I love my 335 - it has a growl all it's own and is just so lively sounding and resonent. Just make sure it has a good neck with no bumps or twists. And the thickness and taper of the necks can vary quite a bit on the different models and years so find one that's comfortable for you. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HNS Posted May 19, 2014 Author Share Posted May 19, 2014 Just make sure it has a good neck with no bumps or twists. And the thickness and taper of the necks can vary quite a bit on the different models and years so find one that's comfortable for you. . Thanks ... I always wanted one.. you're right neck profiles can make a difference. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveFord Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 I've been reading this thread for a few days and I've had a few Gibson hollow body and semi hollows over the years. The best of the bunch has been the one without any F holes, the Lucille. It may or may not be what you're after but I'd certainly try and track one down and see what you think. If that doesn't do it for you, I'd keep my eyes open for a good ES-355. That is not to say that 335s aren't quite good because they certainly are but I like the ebony fret board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HNS Posted May 21, 2014 Author Share Posted May 21, 2014 I've been reading this thread for a few days and I've had a few Gibson hollow body and semi hollows over the years. The best of the bunch has been the one without any F holes, the Lucille. It may or may not be what you're after but I'd certainly try and track one down and see what you think. If that doesn't do it for you, I'd keep my eyes open for a good ES-355. That is not to say that 335s aren't quite good because they certainly are but I like the ebony fret board. Thanks Steve ... I had a Lucille in mind ... the problem is that I don't find too many hollow and semi hollow models here, where I currently live. It might be best to wait until I cross the pond once again and spend some serious shopping time. I think they had one Lucille a few months back at the biggest retailer here, but unfortunately, I wasn't looking for one then. The Germans, however, have great luthiers in their own right making custom true hollow body archtops and semi hollows. They're expensive though., but sweet. Thanks for your comment Cheer HNS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmyl51 Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Take a look at Wildwood Guitars website in Louisville,Colorado. I was just out there on business as they do basically an international business. Super honest guys with just about every Gibson that is available. They actually HAVE every guitar pictured on their website in stock too! jim in Maine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HNS Posted May 21, 2014 Author Share Posted May 21, 2014 Take a look at Wildwood Guitars website in Louisville,Colorado. I was just out there on business as they do basically an international business. Super honest guys with just about every Gibson that is available. They actually HAVE every guitar pictured on their website in stock too! jim in Maine Hi Jimmy151 Thanks, I actually bought an acoustic from them when I was in Maryland, a few years back. Super nice guys and very helpful. cheers HS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twang Gang Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 That's good advice ! I need to try one. We don't get all the Gibson lineup here .... unfortunately ! Edit ... it seems that its also a semi hollow http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Archtop/Gibson-Custom/CS-336.aspx I guess the 330 is the true hollow body Thanks Drog OK, don't eliminate the 336 from consideration so fast. You are correct in that it is not totally "hollow", but there is a lot more to them than meets the eye. First the body is mahogany which gives a different tone than the maple and laminates you are considering. Second the construction is totally different from other semi-hollow bodies. The back, sides and center block are hand carved (like a violin) from one solid piece of wood. A carved maple top is then fitted to it. The result is a unique guitar that is very versatile and at the same time comfortable to play (a bit smaller overall than a 335) and has beautiful tone. Gibson doesn't seem to make a lot of them, and they are fairly expensive, no idea if any are available in Germany right now or not, but if you could find a used one I'd bet you'd be very happy with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twang Gang Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 OK, don't eliminate the 336 from consideration so fast. You are correct in that it is not totally "hollow", but there is a lot more to them than meets the eye. First the body is mahogany which gives a different tone than the maple and laminates you are considering. Second the construction is totally different from other semi-hollow bodies. The back, sides and center block are hand carved (like a violin) from one solid piece of wood. A carved maple top is then fitted to it. The result is a unique guitar that is very versatile and at the same time comfortable to play (a bit smaller overall than a 335) and has beautiful tone. Gibson doesn't seem to make a lot of them, and they are fairly expensive, no idea if any are available in Germany right now or not, but if you could find a used one I'd bet you'd be very happy with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HNS Posted May 21, 2014 Author Share Posted May 21, 2014 OK, don't eliminate the 336 from consideration so fast. You are correct in that it is not totally "hollow", but there is a lot more to them than meets the eye. First the body is mahogany which gives a different tone than the maple and laminates you are considering. Second the construction is totally different from other semi-hollow bodies. The back, sides and center block are hand carved (like a violin) from one solid piece of wood. A carved maple top is then fitted to it. The result is a unique guitar that is very versatile and at the same time comfortable to play (a bit smaller overall than a 335) and has beautiful tone. Gibson doesn't seem to make a lot of them, and they are fairly expensive, no idea if any are available in Germany right now or not, but if you could find a used one I'd bet you'd be very happy with it. Thanks Twang Gang .... I haven't seen them around .... at least not in the past few weeks... I hear that they're close to a 339 in tone? is that correct ... but I agree with you, there's more quality workmanship in hand carved guitar from solid woods than just a laminates assembled together. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernie69 Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 Hi I share the same interest in the CS336 as it could be seen as a replacement for my 339 with a higher standard of crafstmanship. There is also the 359 but I' m not sure that it is so different soundwise from the 339 the only notable difference been the ebony fingerboard ( not to mention the gold hardware!). But I do not share your enthusiasm about the 336 being a "hand made hollow body", it seems that there are more manual operations to make a laminated guitar like the 339 which is made of many parts glued together than a 336 body that is , like the LEs PAuls , perfectly suited for a automatic machine routing of the body from a single piece of Mahogany. What do you think ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drog Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 Yeah, the ES336 is a semi-hollow built with a solid arch top. I was thinking of the ES-390, which is the full hollow body and small 339 size. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HNS Posted May 22, 2014 Author Share Posted May 22, 2014 I think I would like to go with a 336 or a true hollowbody.... I just have to play a few ....if I could get my hands on them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernie69 Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 OUPS I forgot the 390 in the shopping list. I had the opportunity to have one in my hands when the Gibson bus came in FRANCE it's a littel jewel, the lightest and smallest hollow I've never seen,yes like a violin, superb guitar making. Same playability as the 339, I just have been disappointed by the sound of the mini humbuckers, it seemed very thin to me but I'm so crazy about the C57 pups that I'm not a good juge. I know there is a P90 version, may be one day one with C57 ? Once again you can compare with samples on youtube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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